Diagnostic Tool Research Articles

Rapid and non-invasive detection of malaria parasites using near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning.

Novel and highly sensitive point-of-care malaria diagnostic and surveillance tools that are rapid and affordable are urgently needed to support malaria control and elimination. We demonstrated the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique to detect malaria parasites both, in vitro, using dilutions of infected red blood cells obtained from Plasmodium falciparum cultures and in vivo, in mice infected with P. berghei using blood spotted on slides and non-invasively, by simply scanning various body areas (e.g., feet, groin and ears). The spectra were analysed using machine learning to develop predictive models for infection. Using NIRS spectra of in vitro cultures and machine learning algorithms, we successfully detected low densities (<10-7 parasites/μL) of P. falciparum parasites with a sensitivity of 96% (n = 1041), a specificity of 93% (n = 130) and an accuracy of 96% (n = 1171) and differentiated ring, trophozoite and schizont stages with an accuracy of 98% (n = 820). Furthermore, when the feet of mice infected with P. berghei with parasitaemia ≥3% were scanned non-invasively, the sensitivity and specificity of NIRS were 94% (n = 66) and 86% (n = 342), respectively. These data highlights the potential of NIRS technique as rapid, non-invasive and affordable tool for surveillance of malaria cases. Further work to determine the potential of NIRS to detect malaria in symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria cases in the field is recommended including its capacity to guide current malaria elimination strategies.

Transforming Healthcare: A Comprehensive Approach to Mitigating Bias and Fostering Empathy through AI-Driven Augmented Reality

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Augmented Reality (AR) for medical applications is propelled by the aim to address evident healthcare disparities. Certain communities have encountered disparities in medical diagnoses, exemplified by Black individuals exhibiting a 2.4 times higher likelihood of schizophrenia diagnosis compared to their white counterparts (Faber et al., 2023). These disparities often arise from structured interview assessments overlooking cultural nuances, resulting in increased misdiagnosis rates. This study leverages AI and AR to develop unbiased diagnostic tools and enhance empathy in healthcare professionals' training. Uniquely prioritizing the reduction of biased language and the fostering of empathy through AI-driven Natural Language Processing (NLP) and AI-driven virtual patients, the research aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy while promoting cultural sensitivity among healthcare professionals. Aligned with broader goals of achieving equitable healthcare and reducing disparities, the evaluation involves pre- and post-training assessments to measure language improvements and empathy enhancements. Successful implementation could lead to a more equitable healthcare landscape, fostering trust in AI-driven systems and ensuring fairer medical care for diverse communities.

Abstract 7289: PancreaAlert: Intelligent nanoengineered biosensor for pancreatic cancer

Abstract Introduction: Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of cancer cases and 7% of cancer deaths in the United States. It is currently in the third position with respect to cancer-related deaths, and it is expected to move to second place as of 2040. This is mainly due to its diagnosis in the later stage. If detected in the first or second stage surgery can be performed thus increasing the patient’s survival rate. The current methods of diagnosis cannot do early stage or asymptomatic detection. So, detecting cancer-specific biomarkers can aid in the prognosis. Serum protein-based biomarkers carbohydrate antigen CA242, CA19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen CEA are specific to pancreatic cancer. Thus, in this preliminary study, we aim to develop a nanoengineered electrochemical biosensor combined with machine learning to detect pancreatic cancer-specific biomarkers CA242, CA19-9, and CEA. Methodology: Nanoengineering the biosensor: The gold working electrode of the gold- biosensor (DRP-250AT) was coated with graphene oxide nano colloidal solution and kept in UV overnight for the graphene oxide nanosheet to crosslink with the working electrode. Detection of biomarkers using an electrochemical biosensor: First, a Crosslinker (DSP) was added to ethanol cleaned biosensor to bind the analytes. Following that antibody specific to each biomarker were added to the biosensors. The addition of TBS superblock prevented non-specific binding. Then different concentrations of biomarkers were added, and the corresponding sensor was subjected to various electrochemical analyses such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry. SEM-EDAX analysis: The antigen-antibody binding on the biosensor's surface was confirmed. Automation and machine learning: Python code was developed to automate the analysis process and machine learning models (support vector machine and neural network) were used to classify the concentrations into various risk levels. The sensitivity of the developed tool was high when compared with conventional methods like ELISA and confocal microscopy. Results: From the electrochemical studies we found that with increasing concentration of biomarkers, there was a trend in output parameters: capacitance, resistance, impedance and area under the curve. By analyzing this trend, the concentrations of biomarkers can be detected. Using this data as input the machine learning model (accuracy greater than 80%) classified the concentrations into risk levels (normal, low risk, and high risk). Significance: Nanoengineering with graphene oxide nanosheets enhances the sensitivity of electrochemical biosensors. Automation and machine learning models help in the analysis of large datasets produced by this sensor. Overall, this device aids in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Our preliminary results are encouraging but more thorough research is required to make this diagnostic tool a working application. Citation Format: Meenal Karunanidhi, Hemalatha Kanniyappan, Edith Zhan, Ruth Mathew, Yani Sun, Junyi Wu, Yan Yan, Gnanasekar Munirathinum, Mathew T. Mathew. PancreaAlert: Intelligent nanoengineered biosensor for pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7289.

Liquid biopsy using non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles for breast cancer management.

This article examines liquid biopsy using non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles in detail. Liquid biopsy is emerging as a prominent non-invasive diagnostic tool in the treatment of breast cancer. We will elucidate the roles of these molecules in early detection, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and prognostic assessment of breast cancer. Additionally, the clinical significance of these molecules will be discussed. We aim to delve into the distinct characteristics of these molecules and their possible roles in breast cancer management, with an anticipation of their contribution to future diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

Monitoring the psychological component of higher education quality using ICT tools

This study examines the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to monitor the psychological component of higher education quality. A literature review covers the concepts of higher education quality and its monitoring, the psychological factors involved, and the potential of ICT tools, including Google services. The study details a monitoring procedure using Google Forms to assess indicators like relationships between participants, satisfaction levels, and organisational climate. The computer program “Personnel – Ψ” is also presented as a tool for comprehensive psychological diagnostics of teachers. The advantages of using ICT tools for efficient data collection, analysis and management are discussed. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using ICT to improve monitoring of the psychological aspects of educational quality and make evidence-based decisions to enhance the educational environment. The use of user-friendly tools like Google Forms facilitates regular assessment of quality indicators and aids institutions in ensuring participant satisfaction and optimal conditions for learning and growth.

MicroRNAs as biomarkers of brain injury in neonatal encephalopathy: an observational cohort study

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) is a major cause of lifelong disability and neurological complications in affected infants. Identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers in this population may assist in predicting MRI injury and differentiate neonates with NE from those with low-cord pH or healthy neonates and may help clinicians make real-time decisions. To compare the microRNA (miRNA) profiles between neonates with NE, healthy controls, and neonates with low cord pH. Moreover, miRNA concentrations were compared to brain injury severity in neonates with NE. This is a retrospective analysis of miRNA profiles from select samples in the biorepository and data registry at the University of Florida Health Gainesville. The Firefly miRNA assay was used to screen a total of 65 neurological miRNA targets in neonates with NE (n = 36), low cord pH (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 37). Multivariate statistical techniques, including principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and miRNA Enrichment Analysis and Annotation were used to identify miRNA markers and their pathobiological relevance. A set of 10 highly influential miRNAs were identified, which were significantly upregulated in the NE group compared to healthy controls. Of these, miR-323a-3p and mir-30e-5p displayed the highest fold change in expression levels. Moreover, miR-34c-5p, miR-491-5p, and miR-346 were significantly higher in the NE group compared to the low cord pH group. Furthermore, several miRNAs were identified that can differentiate between no/mild and moderate/severe injury in the NE group as measured by MRI. MiRNAs represent promising diagnostic and prognostic tools for improving the management of NE.

Staging laparoscopy in gastric cancer patients: From a Dutch nationwide Delphi consensus towards a standardized protocol

BackgroundStaging laparoscopy is a common diagnostic tool in gastric cancer, but its performance varies widely. The aim of this study was to gain Dutch nationwide consensus regarding the indications for and execution of staging laparoscopy in patients with gastric cancer. MethodsAll surgeons in the Netherlands specialized in gastric cancer surgery (n = 52) were asked to participate in a Delphi consensus study. The study involved an initial questionnaire with a 3-point Likert scale, an online consensus meeting, and a second questionnaire using a 2-point Likert scale (agree/disagree). Consensus was defined as 70% or more agreement among participants. ResultsIn total, 45 experts completed both questionnaires (87% response rate). Consensus was reached on the indication to perform staging laparoscopy in cT3-4 or cN + or diffuse-type gastric cancer, including Siewert type III oesophagogastric junctional cancer. The experts agreed that if preoperative scans suggest infiltration of surrounding organs (cT4), the tumour's resectability should explicitly be investigated. Consensus was also reached for a systematic peritoneal cavity inspection according to Sugarbaker's Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score. All regions should be inspected routinely, although the omental bursa may be inspected on indication. Aspiration of ascites or peritoneal washing should be performed for cytology. The experts agreed that restaging laparoscopy should be performed before resection in case of progressive disease on preoperative imaging. Without progression, global inspection was considered sufficient. ConclusionsThe results of this Dutch nationwide Delphi consensus study exposed the variability of performing staging laparoscopy in patients with gastric cancer and provided the concept for a standardized protocol.

A Traumatic Impact Immediately Changes the Mechanical Properties of Articular Cartilage.

To investigate whether and how a single traumatic impact changes the mechanical properties of talar articular cartilage. A marble was placed on the joint surface and a weight was dropped on both medial and lateral caprine talus to create a well-defined single focal impact. The mechanical properties of intact and impacted talar cartilage were measured with a micro-indenter. Elastic (storage) and viscous (loss) moduli were determined by oscillatory ramp and dynamic mechanical analysis protocols. We found significant differences between ankles and within the same ankle joint, with the medial talus having significantly higher storage- and loss moduli than the lateral talus. The storage- and loss moduli of intact articular cartilage increased with greater indentation depths. However, postimpact the storage- and loss moduli were significantly and consistently lower in all specimens indicating immediate posttraumatic damage. The deeper regions of talar cartilage were less affected by the impact than the more superficial regions. A single traumatic impact results in an immediate and significant decrease of storage- and loss moduli. Further research must focus on the development of non- or minimally invasive diagnostic tools to address the exact microdamage caused by the impact. We speculate that the traumatic impact damaged the collagen fibers that confine the water-binding proteoglycans and thereby decreasing the hydrostatic pressure of cartilage. As part of the treatment directly after a trauma, one could imagine a reduction or restriction of peak loads to prevent the progression of the cascade towards PTOA of the ankle joint.

The Memory Binding Test Detects Early Subtle Episodic Memory Decline in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease: A Longitudinal Study.

The asymptomatic at-risk phase might be the optimal time-window to establish clinically meaningful endpoints in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether, compared with the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), the Memory Binding Test (MBT) can anticipate the diagnosis of emergent subtle episodic memory (EM) deficits to an at-risk phase. Five-year longitudinal FCSRT and MBT scores from 45 individuals matched for age, education, and gender, were divided into 3 groups of 15 subjects: Aβ-/controls, Aβ+/stable, and Aβ+/progressors (preclinical-AD). The MBT adds an associative memory component (binding), particularly sensitive to subtle EM decline. In the MBT, EM decline started in the Aβ+/progressors (preclinical-AD) up to 4 years prior to diagnosis in delayed free recall (FR), followed by decline in binding-associated scores 1 year later. Conversely, in the FCSRT, EM-decline began later, up to 3 years prior to diagnosis, in the same group on both immediate and delayed versions of FR, while on total recall (TR) and intrusions decline started only 1 year prior to diagnosis. The MBT seems more sensitive than the FCSRT for early EM-decline detection, regarding the year of diagnosis and the number of scores showing AD-linked EM deficits (associated with the AD-characteristic amnesic hippocampal syndrome). Considering the MBT as a detection tool of early subtle EM-decline in an asymptomatic at-risk phase, and the FCSRT as a classification tool of stages of EM-decline from a preclinical phase, these tests ought to potentially become complementary diagnostic tools that can foster therapies to delay cognitive decline. Clinical trial registration title: Electrophysiological markers of the progression to clinical Alzheimer disease in asymptomatic at-risk individuals: a longitudinal event-related potential study of episodic memory in the INSIGHT pre-AD cohort (acronym: ePARAD).

Corneal nerves and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an in vivo corneal confocal imaging study.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe motor neuron disorder. Diagnosis is challenging due to its clinical heterogeneity and the absence of definitive diagnostic tools, leading to delays averaging between 9.1 and 27months. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy, assessing the sub-basal nerve plexus of the cornea, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for ALS. We aimed to determine whether the assessment of corneal nerves using in vivo confocal microscopy can serve as an imaging biomarker for ALS. A single-centre prospective case-control study was conducted in France from September 2021 to March 2023 including patients with ALS according to the revised EI Escorial criteria. The corneal sub-basal nerve plexus was analysed using in vivo confocal microscopy. An automated algorithm (ACCMetrics) was used to evaluate corneal parameters: nerve fibre density, nerve branch density, nerve fibre length, nerve fibre area, nerve total branch density, nerve fibre width, and nerve fractal dimension. Twenty-two patients with ALS and 30 controls were included. No significant differences were found between ALS and control groups for all corneal parameters (p > 0.05). Corneal sensitivity did not differ between groups, and no correlation was identified between corneal nerve parameters and ALS disease duration, severity and rate of progression (p > 0.05). The present study does not support the use of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy as an early diagnostic or prognostic tool for ALS. Further research, especially longitudinal investigations, is needed to understand any potential corneal innervation changes as ALS progresses.

Hysterolaparoscopy as a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic tool in modern ART

The aim of the study is to study Hysterolaparoscopy as a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic tool in modern art. The scheduled investigations were done to determine fitness for surgery. Patient was admitted one day prior to the procedure, and preanesthetic checkup was done. Hysterolaparoscopy was scheduled in preovulatory period between day 5 and day 10 of cycle and done under general anesthesia. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed using a 30-degree deflection angle telescope powered with a fiber-optic cable for light source. Panoramic view of the abdomen was obtained a stepwise evaluation was made. Hysterolaproscopy may appear to be invasive, but is more beneficial, as diagnosis and therapeutic interventions can be done at the same sitting. Furthermore, it is possible to identify patients who will need ART at the earliest, thus expediting treatment. This helps in preventing further compromise in ovarian reserve and progression of disease and thus reducing financial burden to the couples.

Novel Strategies in Diagnosing Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent global condition affecting approximately 50% of the HF population. With the aging of the worldwide population, its incidence and prevalence are expected to rise even further. Unfortunately, until recently, no effective medications were available to reduce the high mortality and hospitalization rates associated with HFpEF, making it a significant unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. Although HFpEF is commonly defined as HF with normal ejection fraction and elevated left ventricular filling pressure, performing invasive hemodynamic assessments on every individual suspected of having HFpEF is neither feasible nor practical. Consequently, several clinical criteria and diagnostic tools have been proposed to aid in diagnosing HFpEF. Overall, these criteria and tools are designed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying and evaluating patients who may have HFpEF based on a combination of signs, symptoms, biomarkers, and non-invasive imaging findings. By employing these non-invasive diagnostic approaches, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding the best pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with suspected HFpEF. This literature review aims to provide an overview of all currently available methods for diagnosing and monitoring this disabling condition.

Navigating the vestibular maze: text-mining analysis of publication trends over five decades.

The field of vestibular science, encompassing the study of the vestibular system and associated disorders, has experienced notable growth and evolving trends over the past five decades. Here, we explore the changing landscape in vestibular science, focusing on epidemiology, peripheral pathologies, diagnosis methods, treatment, and technological advancements. Publication data was obtained from the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) PubMed database. The analysis included epidemiological, etiological, diagnostic, and treatment-focused studies on peripheral vestibular disorders, with a particular emphasis on changes in topics and trends of publications over time. Our dataset of 39,238 publications revealed a rising trend in research across all age groups. Etiologically, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere's disease were the most researched conditions, but the prevalence of studies on vestibular migraine showed a marked increase in recent years. Electronystagmography (ENG)/ Videonystagmography (VNG) and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) were the most commonly discussed diagnostic tools, while physiotherapy stood out as the primary treatment modality. Our study presents a unique opportunity and point of view, exploring the evolving landscape of vestibular science publications over the past five decades. The analysis underscored the dynamic nature of the field, highlighting shifts in focus and emerging publication trends in diagnosis and treatment over time.

Student ultrasound education - current views and controversies.

As an extension of the clinical examination and as a diagnostic and problem-solving tool, ultrasound has become an established technique for clinicians. A prerequisite for high-quality clinical ultrasound practice is adequate student ultrasound training. In light of the considerable heterogeneity of ultrasound curricula in medical studies worldwide, this review presents basic principles of modern medical student ultrasound education and advocates for the establishment of an ultrasound core curriculum embedded both horizontally and vertically in medical studies.

The cell cultures in virology: from the past to the future

The aim of the review is to give a brief characteristic of cell cultures obtained from mammalian tissues and to consider the current possibilities and prospects for their use in virology.&#x0D; The analysis of the literature data presented in the main databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Google Scholar and RSCI (as of July 2023), indicates that various types of cell cultures are currently used in virological studies. The use of cell culture has a number of advantages over other in vitro and in vivo methods of virological research. The review provides numerous examples on the development of new methods of obtaining cell cultures for the cultivation of viruses. Among them are sensitive and reporter cell systems, the design of which can be a promising tool for diagnostics of existing and new unknown viral infections. Cell cultures are characterized as potential in vitro models in virology for developing new diagnostic test-systems and antiviral drugs. An important area of cell cultures application is their use as a substrate for the production of culture-derived vaccines. Another aspect of the cell cultures application is also highlighted, such as the study of the effect of the viruses on the host immune system or the mechanisms of immunopathogenesis of viral infections. It is concluded that the use of cell cultures remains currently and in the near future one of the most important methods in practical virology and in scientific research.

Benchmarking CRISPR-BP34 for point-of-care melioidosis detection in low-income and middle-income countries: a molecular diagnostics study

Melioidosis is a neglected but often fatal tropical disease. The disease has broad clinical manifestations, which makes diagnosis challenging and time consuming. To improve diagnosis, we aimed to evaluate the performance of the CRISPR-Cas12a system (CRISPR-BP34) to detect Burkholderia pseudomallei DNA across clinical specimens from patients suspected to have melioidosis. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with melioidosis at Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they had culture-confirmed B pseudomallei infection from any clinical samples. Data were collected from patient clinical records and follow-up telephone calls. Routine clinical samples (blood, urine, respiratory secretion, pus, and other body fluids) were collected for culture. We documented time taken for diagnosis, and mortality at day 28 of follow-up. We also performed CRISPR-BP34 detection on clinical specimens collected from 330 patients with suspected melioidosis and compared its performance with the current gold-standard culture-based method. Discordant results were validated by three independent qualitative PCR tests. This study is registered with the Thai Clinical Trial Registry, TCTR20190322003. Between Oct 1, 2019, and Dec 31, 2022, 876 patients with culture-confirmed melioidosis were admitted or referred to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, 433 of whom were alive at diagnosis and were enrolled in this study. Median time from sample collection to diagnosis by culture was 4·0 days (IQR 3·0-5·0) among all patients with known survival status at day 28, which resulted in delayed treatment. 199 (23%) of 876 patients died before diagnosis and 114 (26%) of 433 patients in follow-up were treated, but died within 28 days of admission. To test the CRISPR-BP34 assay, we enrolled and collected clinical samples from 114 patients with melioidosis and 216patients without melioidosis between May 26 and Dec 31, 2022. Application of CRISPR-BP34 reduced the median sample-to-diagnosis time to 1·1 days (IQR 0·7-1·5) for blood samples, 2·3 h (IQR 2·3-2·4) for urine, and 3·3 h (3·1-3·4) for respiratory secretion, pus, and other body fluids. The overall sensitivity of CRISPR-BP34 was 93·0% (106 of 114 samples [95% CI 86·6-96·9]) compared with 66·7% (76 of 114 samples [57·2-75·2]) for culture. The overall specificity of CRISPR-BP34 was 96·8% (209 of 216 samples [95% CI 93·4-98·7]), compared with 100% (216 of 216 samples [98·3-100·0]) for culture. The sensitivity, specificity, speed, and window of clinical intervention offered by CRISPR-BP34 support its prospective use as a point-of-care diagnostic tool for melioidosis. Future development should be focused on scalability and cost reduction. Chiang Mai University Thailand and Wellcome Trust UK.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) in a population of Iranian drug and alcohol addicts

ARTICLE INFOReceived: 30 August 2023 | Accepted: 5 December 2023 | Available online: 12 March 2024CITATIONKhalvati M, Harouni GG, Ghazanfarpour M, et al. Cultural adaptation and validation of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) in a population of Iranian drug and alcohol addicts. Environment and Social Psychology 2024; 9(6): 2042. doi: 10.54517/esp.v9i6.2042COPYRIGHTCopyright © 2024 by author(s). Environment and Social Psychology is published by Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), permitting distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is cited.This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) in a population of Iranian drug and alcohol addicts. The statistical population in this cross-sectional, descriptive, scale development study consisted of all the drug and alcohol addicts in Iran. Of these, 518 were selected as participants using convenient sampling. The measurement tools included a demographic checklist, the BIS, and the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS). The adaptability and stability of the tool were tested using Cronbach’s alpha and ICC to measure its reliability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were also employed to assess the construct validity of the tool. The clinical cut-off point was determined following the psychiatrist interview (as the gold standard) using the rocking curve (to determine the tool’s sensitivity and specificity) in MedCalc-19.4.0. Moreover, CFA, EFA, and descriptive analysis of participants’ demographics were performed in AMOS-18, SPSS-24, and SPSS-26, respectively. The mean age of participants was 31.9 ± 9.3 years. Drug abuse was the most common type of addiction among the participants (77.8%). Scratching the body, punching a hard object, and self-injection were the most common impulsive actions. The ICC score calculated using the consistency type was 0.78 (95% Cl: 0.45–0.80). A significant inverse relationship was found between BIS and DTS (P = 0.000, r = −0.021). Three factors were extracted from the Varimax rotation of the factors, and two items (5 and 14) were excluded. The results showed a cut-point of 65, with the best balance exhibiting sensitivity values of 76.6 (62.0–87.7) and specificity values of 52.5 (47.9–57.1) for BIS. Items 27, 29, and 30 were excluded based on the correction indices provided for CFA in AMOS. The goodness of fit indices was satisfactory (CMIN/DF = 2.20, GFI = 0.826, AGFI = 0.792, CFI = 0.754, RMSEA = 0.071). Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that the right diagnostic tools can help policymakers, therapists, and other relevant authorities to predict people’s proclivity to abuse drugs.

Solid-Phase Extraction and Enhanced Amplification-Free Detection of Pathogens Integrated by Multifunctional CRISPR-Cas12a.

Public healthcare demands effective and pragmatic diagnostic tools to address the escalating challenges in infection management in resource-limited areas. Recent advances in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based biosensing promise the development of next-generation tools for disease diagnostics, including point-of-care (POC) testing for infectious diseases. The currently prevailing strategy of developing CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostics exploits only the target identification and trans-cleavage activity of a CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a system to provide diagnostic results, and they need to be combined with an additional preamplification reaction to enhance sensitivity. In contrast to this dual-function strategy, here, we present a new approach that collaboratively integrates the triple functions of CRISPR-Cas12a: target identification, sequence-specific enrichment, and signal generation. With this approach, we develop a nucleic acid assay termed Solid-Phase Extraction and Enhanced Detection Assay integrated by CRISPR-Cas12a (SPEEDi-CRISPR) that negates the need for preamplification but significantly improves the detection of limit (LOD) from the pM to fM level. Specifically, using Cas12a-coated magnetic beads, this assay combines efficient solid-phase extraction and enrichment of DNA targets enabled by the sequence-specific affinity of CRISPR-Cas12a with fluorogenic detection by activated Cas12a on beads. SPEEDi-CRISPR, for the first time, leverages the possibility of employing CRISPR/Cas12a in nucleic acid extraction and integrates the ability of both enrichment and detection of CRISPR/Cas into a single platform. Our proof-of-concept studies revealed that the SPEEDi-CRISPR assay has great specificity to distinguish HPV-18 from HPV-16, and Parvovirus B19, in addition to being able to detect HPV-18 at a concentration as low as 2.3 fM in 100 min and 4.7 fM in 60 min. Furthermore, we proved that this assay can be coupled with two point-of-care testing strategies: the smartphone-based fluorescence detector and the lateral flow assay. Overall, these results suggested that our assay could pave a new way for developing CRISPR diagnostics.

Exploring the significance of microbiota metabolites in rheumatoid arthritis: uncovering their contribution from disease development to biomarker potential.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifaceted autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and joint destruction. Recent research has elucidated the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and RA pathogenesis, underscoring the role of microbiota-derived metabolites as pivotal contributors to disease development and progression. The human gut microbiota, comprising a vast array of microorganisms and their metabolic byproducts, plays a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Dysbiosis of this microbial community has been linked to numerous autoimmune disorders, including RA. Microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan derivatives, Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), bile acids, peptidoglycan, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), exhibit immunomodulatory properties that can either exacerbate or ameliorate inflammation in RA. Mechanistically, these metabolites influence immune cell differentiation, cytokine production, and gut barrier integrity, collectively shaping the autoimmune milieu. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the intricate crosstalk between microbiota metabolites and RA pathogenesis and also discusses the potential of specific metabolites to trigger or suppress autoimmunity, shedding light on their molecular interactions with immune cells and signaling pathways. Additionally, this review explores the translational aspects of microbiota metabolites as diagnostic and prognostic tools in RA. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of translating these findings into clinical practice are critically examined.

Thermophoretic Aggregation Imaging of Tumor-Derived Exosomes by CRISPR-Cas13a-Based Nanoprobes.

The inherent heterogeneity of tumor-derived exosomes holds great promise for enhancing the precision of cancer diagnostics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated in tumor-associated exosomes have emerged as valuable biomarkers for the early detection of cancers. Nevertheless, the flexible structure and inherent instability of RNA limit its application in biological diagnostics. The CRISPR-Cas13a system, distinguished by its target-responsive "collateral effect", represents a powerful tool for advancing cancer diagnostics. In this study, we harness the CRISPR-Cas13a system as an innovative signal amplification tool to image cancer-related exosomal miRNA in situ. Furthermore, we capitalize on the thermophoretic aggregation effect exhibited by gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to consolidate the fluorescent signals generated by the CRISPR-Cas13a system. Subsequently, the developed nanoprobe is applied to detect lung cancer-related exosomal miRNA from human serum, enabling the aggregated visualization of low-abundance cancer exosomes in individuals with lung cancer compared with healthy individuals. This sensitive thermophoretic aggregation assay provides a diagnostic tool for lung cancer in the clinic.